Ethical Implications of Child Welfare Policies in England and Wales on Child Participation Rights

Abstract

International and UK legislation and policy development in childcare is placing more emphasis on children's participation rights. This continues to present ethical dilemmas for childcare workers who also have the responsibility to ensure the protection and well-being of children. In Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government has made a commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in the ‘Rights to Action’ child welfare policy. In England, the government introduced five aims and outcomes of children's well-being in the ‘Every Child Matters’ child welfare policy. This paper identifies three barriers to children accessing participation rights, and critically discusses the ethical implications of the English and Welsh child welfare policies for children's participation rights. Family Group Conferences are discussed to highlight dilemmas of participation.